Mallorca or Crete in October?
On climate data, Crete comes out ahead overall in October. See the per-criterion details below.
MallorcaPhoto: Andrés Nieto Porras from Palma de Mallorca, España · CC BY-SA 2.0
CretePhoto: Ввласенко · CC BY-SA 3.0Key figures in October
| Criterion | Mallorca | Crete |
|---|---|---|
| Day | 23 °C | 23 °C ★ |
| Night | 19 °C | 20 °C ★ |
| Sea | 23 °C ★ | 23 °C |
| Rainy days | 7 rainy days | 6 rainy days ★ |
| Sun | 4 h/day | 5 h/day ★ |
Winner by travel type
Mallorca or Crete in October: the short answer
In October, Crete comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Mallorca 85/100 vs Crete 88/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
Across the whole year Mallorca averages a climate score of 72/100, Crete 74/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in October, side by side
By day, Mallorca sits near 23 °C and Crete near 23 °C — warmer in Crete. At night it is roughly 19 °C versus 20 °C.
On rain, Mallorca sees about 7 rainy days in October and Crete about 6 — drier in Crete. Crete gets more sunshine (4 vs 5 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In October the water is about 23 °C at Mallorca and 23 °C at Crete — warmer for swimming at Mallorca. Over the year, Mallorca is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in June, July, August, September and October, Crete in June, July, August, September and October. Peak sea warmth is August for Mallorca and August for Crete.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Mallorca records roughly 60 rainy days and Crete about 57 — the drier of the two overall is Crete. At their sunniest, Mallorca reaches about 9 hours of sun a day (June) and Crete about 10 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Mallorca is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Crete peaks in June, July, August and September. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the October scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Crete scores higher in October.
City breaks: Crete scores higher in October.
Active & hiking: Crete scores higher in October.
Family: Crete scores higher in October.
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For October specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Crete carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Mallorca if its strong months and profile match your plan, Crete if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.